I’m your man, says Byrne

CLIFF BYRNE (right) will provide vital experience.

ATHLETIC have added experience to their back line by signing out-of-contract defender Cliff Byrne.

The ex-Scunthorpe skipper (30), who can play at right-back or centre-half, was released by The Iron in May after nine years at Glanford Park.

It represents a major boost for Athletic boss Paul Dickov, whose defensive resources have been thin since the summer departures of Kieran Lee, Reece Brown, Zander Diamond and Paul Black.

In another positive development, the long-running attempt to secure Youssouf Mchangama’s future has been resolved. The midfielder has signed a 12-month deal at Boundary Park.

Dickov is meanwhile expecting his team to be given the roughest ride of pre-season so far at Fleetwood tonight (7.30pm).

The game at Highbury Stadium pits Micky Mellon's men, Blue Square Bet Premier champions last season, against an Athletic side still to discover top form.








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